Jurgen Klopp credit his Liverpool players with mastering the difficult challenge of finishing above Arsenal and Manchester United this season.
The Merseyside outfit secured a return to the Champions League on Sunday thanks to a 3-0 win against relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield thanks to goals from Georginio Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana.
Liverpool finished a point ahead of Arsenal despite the north London side easing to a 3-1 win against Everton in their final game of the season at the Emirates Stadium to push Klopp’s men all the way in the top-four race.
Manchester United finished in sixth place despite a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace in their final game of the Premier League campaign ahead of next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm.
Speaking to NBC about qualifying for the Champions League this season ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United, Klopp said:
“My players had outstanding season – 76 pts. We had lots of injuries to key players.
“But we qualify for the Champions League ahead of Arsenal which is really hard and Manchester United which is really hard.”
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Klopp took over the reins from Brendan Rodgers back in October 2015.
Liverpool haven’t competed in the Champions League since 2014-15.